It came in a preseason game, let’s remember that. But as LeBron James sent an arcing shot high into the Las Vegas air on Wednesday night, Los Angeles Lakers fans were left fervently hoping that it was a sign of things to come.

With time running out in the first half of the Lakers’ meeting with the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena, James produced a "moment," the kind of thing that only the greats manage to make look easy.

Klay Thompson missed a three-pointer for the Warriors with six seconds left in the second quarter. Javale McGee snared an unopposed rebound, then found James who had hustled his way to the left wing, just across mid-court.

These games count for nothing after all. There was no time left to make a move to the basket and all thoughts, understandably, seemed to turn to the locker room. Lakers teammate Brandon Ingram stopped moving. Thompson backed off, his arms at his sides.

But James had only one thing on his mind. Despite being 40 feet from the basket he heaved up a shot, extended his arm and watched it sink inevitably through the hoop.

New colleague Kentavious Caldwell-Pope embraced him immediately. Lance Stephenson came in for a joyous hand slap and James responded with a wry smile that seemed to say: “there’s more where that came from.”

Lakerland certainly hopes so.

NEWSLETTERS

Get the Sports newsletter delivered to your inbox

We're sorry, but something went wrong

Sports news, no matter the season. Stop by for the scores, stay for the stories.

March 6, 2019: LeBron James reacts after scoring a basket and passing Michael Jordan on the NBA's career scoring during the Lakers' game against the Nuggets at Staples Center. Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports

Dec. 25, 2018: The Lakers' marquee Christmas Day matchup against the Warriors was spoiled when LeBron James suffered a strained groin. James exited early in the third quarter, but Los Angeles overcame his absence for a 127-101 win. Tony Avelar, AP

Nov. 18: LeBron James directs the offense during the first half against the Heat in Miami. James returned to one of his former homes and dropped a season-high 51 points. Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

Nov. 18: With time winding down, James puts up a 3 over Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. in the closing seconds to eclipse the 50-point mark for the 13th time in his career. Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 24, 2018: It took four tries, but after three straight losses to start the season, LeBron James and the Lakers celebrated their first win against the Suns in Phoenix. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports